EMDR: More than a Trauma Treatment

Written By Vanessa McConnell

You may know that EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a well known evidence based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

EMDR is an incredibly powerful therapeutic modality to help people move through complex events.

What you may not know: EMDR is also extremely effective for many other challenges. EMDR is a type of therapy that can help change the way our brain stores and recalls memories, change unhelpful beliefs and behavioural patterns. In EMDR therapy, Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) is a core component that helps the brain process past experiences. BLS refers to rhythmic, alternating stimulation of both sides of the body—usually through eye movements, sounds, or tactile taps. For example, a therapist might use handheld buzzers that vibrate left and right. This engages both hemispheres of the brain and helps the nervous system "unstick" particular aspects of experiences and facilitate the reprocessing to be more adaptive.

 

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Some people experience anxiety more in their bodies (fluttery stomach, racing heart, restlessness) and others find it impacts their thoughts and beliefs (such as imagining the worst case scenario all the time, or beliefs like “I’m not safe” or “I can’t handle this”). With EMDR, past experiences that led to these symptoms and behaviours are identified and then reprocessed, unlinking them from current triggers, and replacing them with more helpful beliefs. This helps reduce the emotional weight of anxious thoughts, so you’re able to stay calmer and handle things with more clarity and confidence.


Resolving Phobias

A phobia is an intense, persistent, and often irrational fear of something, and many people don’t know why they’re so terrified of the object or situation. EMDR can help to uncover the root of the phobia and desensitize the triggers associated with it. For many clients, phobias can be cleared in very few sessions using EMDR. Common phobias successfully treated with EMDR include fears of flying and public speaking, as well as fear around medical procedures such as needles or going to the dentist.

Lightening the Weight of Depression/Mood Disorders

EMDR focuses on the past experiences or negative beliefs that are tied to feelings such as hopelessness and low self-worth that are often central to depression and mood disorders. It works by reprocessing these memories and unhooking the intense emotions tied to them. This helps shift the negative thought patterns, replacing them with more positive, empowering beliefs. As a result, it can lift some of the emotional heaviness of depression, making it easier to feel more present, hopeful, and connected.

Regaining Control from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)


With OCD, EMDR works by reprocessing past experiences connected to obsessive thoughts, reducing the distress of the obsessions and the urge to act on compulsive behaviors. EMDR doesn’t just desensitize distressing memories; it also helps install more adaptive, realistic beliefs. For example, a common maladaptive belief in OCD is, “If I don’t perform this ritual, something terrible will happen.” EMDR can help reframe this to something like, “I can tolerate uncertainty,” or “I’m safe even without performing the ritual.” Essentially, it helps you break that cycle and feel more in control.

Breaking the Cycle of Substance Misuse and Addictions


EMDR can help to address the underlying emotional and psychological issues that often fuel addictions. It helps identify past traumas, unresolved emotions, or stressors that drive the urge to use substances as a way to cope. By reprocessing these painful memories, EMDR breaks the link between the cravings and the triggers that cause them. This can reduce the intensity of urges to use, making it easier to manage cravings and ultimately treat the addiction itself by healing the root causes. It helps shift the brain’s response to stress and emotional pain, allowing for healthier coping mechanisms and supporting long-term recovery. This isn’t limited to substance abuse - behaviours such as gambling, binge eating, impulsive shopping, and sex addiction can similarly benefit from EMDR.

Grief and Loss


EMDR can be really helpful in easing the intense emotions and memories tied to your loss. It can help you process the sadness, pain, or unresolved feelings, allowing you to reframe your experience of the loss. Instead of being stuck in overwhelming emotions or painful memories, EMDR helps you find a place of acceptance and peace, while still honoring the love or bond you shared. It doesn’t erase the grief, but it makes it easier to carry, and helps you move forward without feeling stuck in the pain.


Finding What Works for You

This post is written for you by our very own Jennifer Adams. Jen, and our other EMDR trained team members would love to support you in figuring out how EMDR might fit for you.

If you are curious you can reach out with questions or for help determining next steps. Contact us using the form below, or visit our Therapists and Booking page.

 

Read Our Other Posts

Vanessa McConnell
Next

Hack Your Nervous System